Virtualization of telco networks is beginning to happen in Radio Access Networks (RAN), especially regarding Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN). However, there are some obstacles to this trend. The current O-RAN architecture limits programmability to predefined telemetry and control that an xApp can access through existing, standardized service models which may limit the pace of innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To address this limitation and unleash O-RAN\u2019s full potential, Microsoft has developed programmable RAN platform technology that introduces flexible, dynamically loadable service models. The proposed architecture is primarily based on the existing O-RAN architecture. The main difference is the dynamic service model, whose functionality can be implemented by the application designer and deployed at run-time without affecting RAN operations. All this flexibility does not come at the cost of reliability, safety, or security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
New applications of analytics and automation are possible with the flexibility of dynamic service models and low latency, including RAN energy efficiency and anomaly detection. New applications are able to access almost all information available at different layers of RAN and exercise control at many different levels of RAN. As a result, Open RAN has the potential to significantly accelerate the pace of RAN transformation, making it possible to achieve the full benefits of 5G sooner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n